My quest is about over. On several occasions,
since I’ve been a member of VSPA I’ve been asked why I got
out of the Air Force after sixteen years service. As the old saying
goes "I’m going to let it all hang-out!" First
I want to make it very clear that my actions described in the following
incident were not motivated by courage, bravery or the desire for
glory. My actions were motivated by a deep sense of duty. In
no way did I then, nor do I now, consider them as heroic. I simple
did what I was trained to do and what I thought was my duty as an
Air Policeman.
Đà Nàng 1965
On the night of 21 November 19 65, I was the NCOIC of a four man perimeter
patrol. (It was raining as usual and the mud was about a foot deep)
We were at the south end of the runway when a C-123 (Flare-ship) crashed
near the end of the runway. We were the first on the crash scene.
I deployed one man to the right flank of the aircraft and one to the
left and instructed the third man to stay with the jeep and radio.
I made a quick decision to enter the aircraft in an attempt to aid
the crew members. That decision ultimately cost me my career. This
action all took place with in approximately six to eight minutes prior
to the Crash and Rescue team’s arrival. While helping one man
from the craft, I fell and the other man fell on top of me. This injured
my lower back and right knee. My right knee had been injured before
and I’d received treatment for it many time in the past. I managed
to get up and hobble around, thinking it was just a temporary injury.
The pain subsided quickly due to the adrenaline rush.
I did not go to sick-bay and report the injury, because I’d been
in country less than two months, and was afraid that they might send
be back to the states. [Keep in mind that I’d spent sixteen years
in the Air Force as an Air policeman and this was my first combat
duty. I really felt that my experience as an NCO could make a difference.]
Okay, I was naive and GungHo (smile). I hobbled around for about
a week after the incident, but the pain in my back was getting wore
and the swelling in my knee was persistent.
The Flight Commander jumped me about limping, and asked to see my knee.
It was a swollen mess. He instructed me to report to Sick-bay immediately.
The doctor took one look at the knee, handed me a crutch and instructed
me to pack my bags for the hospital in Japan. I was air-vac’ed
the next day.
I did not mention the aircraft incident to the doctor, nor did I ever
mention it there after. I was discharged on the medical records of
the old knee injury. There’s no mention of the aircraft incident
in my medical records. I spent over a month in the hospital in Japan.
Then A-vac’ed back to the states. I spent six months in the hospital
at Eglin, AFB, Florida. I was medically discharged in May of 1966--sixteen years down the tube.
SEVEN YEARS LATER.
In 1972, I ran into M/sgt. Warren E. Oliff, my old Flight Commander. He asked me if I’d received the citation that he had recommended
me for in regards to the Aircraft incident at Đà Nàng AB. I assured him
that I had not received any citation and that I was not even aware
of the recommendation. He was highly critical of the situation and
informed me that he was going to immediately write an inquiry to Air
Force and find out about the recommendation.
A few weeks later I received a copy of Sgt
Oliff’s letter to the Air Force. A few more week went by and
I received as letter from the Air Force which stated that there was
no record of Sgt Oliff’s recommendation and therefore I would
have to contact at least one of the crew members to verify that the
incident did in fact occur.
Please keep in mind at that time there were
no home computers. I had no way of know who the crew members were
are how to contact them. Years past and my little girl grew up and
as a young woman started hounding me about trying to obtain the citation. I wrote everyone that I thought might be able to help me find out
who the crew members were. At first the Air Force told me that the
information was classified. Then they changed their tune, and said
that all records of the crash had been destroyed.
Recently by chance, I talk to an old Air Force
buddy who gave me the name of a man and a phone number to call. I
immediately did so, and Bingo! My thirty year quest for their names
was over! But, I still have not been able to locate a one of them.
I’m listing their names, and if anyone knows any of them, please
e-mail me. (I think two of these men were Air Policemen, who volunteered
that night to kick flares.)
Capt Bruce B. Alter (Pilot)(USAF)
1stLt Roger NMI Rucker (Co-Pilot)(USAF)
SSgt John A. Mesic (Flight Mechic) (USAF)
SSgt Authur V. Swezey Jr. (Loadmaster) (USAF)
A1C Michael J. Kelly (Flare Kicker) (USAF)
A1C Nile L. Jones (Flare Kicker) (USAF)
A2C Kirby R. Wheeler (Flare Kicker) (USAF)
E-3 Bruce J. Sanders (Guard) (USMC)
Guys, as I said before, this has nothing to
do with medals or citations. It’s become a point of principle
with me. I was recommended for a citation and I think the least the
Air Force could do is acknowledge that recommendation. (Hell, it’s
not the citation. I’m 69 years old. I know with that and fifty
cents I can get a cup of coffee anywhere…smile.) It the principle
of the thing!
Thank you for taking the time to read this
and for your help in locating any of the above name airmen. I’ll
let you know how this turns out.
Best regards to all,
Jackie
